Strengthen your painting in this short course on color mixing techniques for flesh tones. With only the primary colors, two secondaries + white all shades of skin can be mixed. This process allows for a depth in chromatic strength not otherwise possible and lays the groundwork for understanding subtle movements in color temperature as well as value.
A study with roots in antiquity; this exploration of the human form and its anatomical structure, proportion, morphology, gesture, and potential for expression will always challenge and inspire. This course focuses on painting the live nude model from direct observation. Accompanying studies from anatomical reference materials will occur in conjunction with studio work.
Alla prima figure painting with the Fine Arts Preservation Society of New Orleans
Spring, 2025. Thursday January 16-Thursday February 20, 2025
Instructor: Saskia Ozols
Location: 3909 Magazine St. Nola, 70115
To register/reserve: contact Saskia Ozols https://practicepreservation.org/contact/
Alla Prima painting is a method of painting in which layers of paint are applied directly on to wet paint. It is also known as wet on wet technique; and the term “alla prima” comes from the Italian meaning “at first attempt.” Most alla prima paintings are completed in one sitting or painting session. Often times only certain passages within a larger painting incorporate the alla prima technique.
When to utilize “alla prima?” This technique is ideal for creating color studies, compositional sketches with paint, and incorporation within larger works. It can be used with the figure, still life, and landscape.
Benefits of practicing the all prima process:
-Create a a painting from start to finish in a short period of time (3-6 hours) ; incorporating the steps of imprimatura, drawing with paint, composition, wipe out with additive/subtractive methods of application, and color mixing from a simple palette of primaries and two secondary colors.
-Strengthen and practice an understanding of rendering the human figure from direct observation. Proportion, gesture, morphology, and movement will be addressed with paint.
-The process facilitates awareness, understanding, and practice of the formal elements of design all made and mixed by hand.
-Relying on hand-eye coordination and working from direct observation awakens skills of both communication and observation.
To register:
Email https://practicepreservation.org/contact/ to reserve your place. Tuition for the class is 550. Cash, venmo or check accepted. Your payment reserves your place. Small class sizes with regular painting demonstrations, lecture, individually directed instruction & access to the Ozols Collection teaching archive for reference. Regular group critiques & discussions.
Let’s Paint Together!
About the Instructor: Saskia is a painter and independent curator from New Orleans, La. Her exhibition record spans three decades and includes regional, national, and international venues. Saskia has been teaching for 20 years at schools including Boston University, Tulane University, and Loyola University. She holds an MFA from the Museum School of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and trained with painters including Sidney Goodman, Bo Bartlett, Vincent Desiderio, Nelson Shenks, Bruce Samuelson, Auseklis Ozols and others. For more information please visit https://www.saskiaozols.com/about/
